Practical Life

The entire Montessori curriculum strives toward independence and self-direction for the child. In keeping with this concept, the aim of the practical life curriculum is to give children the skills they need to independently care for themselves, their peers, and their environment. This curriculum is very broad, for it takes in any activity necessary for day to day life, but can be broken down into four basic categories – Care of Self, Care of the Environment, Grace and Courtesy, and Life Skills. 

To instill in students a sense of respect for the environment and ultimately each other, children help maintain the classroom environment by carefully cleaning up after themselves and taking turns completing the various classroom jobs each day. We call the children’s attention to caring for the greater environment through lessons on topics such as recycling, composting, conservation, ecology, etc. Children at this age level are very sensitive to social and environmental responsibility.

Modeling grace and courtesy is a key part of the elementary practical life curriculum. Some of this modeling is done through the process of community meetings, where the students come together to problem solve and make decisions for the classroom. At other times, the teachers will role play how to handle various social situations such as introducing a friend, being a good listener, and what to do if someone is hurting your feelings. When disputes do arise, we guide them in becoming independent problem-solvers. The children's interest in social interactions also makes circle time an important part of the practical life curriculum.

As a segment of our Peace Education curriculum, the Elementary classrooms use the Virtues Project lessons. Each week, the classrooms will focus on a specific virtue and how it can be further integrated into the lives of the students, through activities, classroom discussions, and conversations to create awareness. More information about the project and a list of the virtues can be found at http://www.virtuesproject.com.

Life skills lessons will be direct extensions of what the students are covering in other areas of the Elementary curriculum. As they learn how various cultures satisfy their Fundamental Needs they may try their hand at skills such as sewing, gardening, spinning, weaving, carving, or creating pottery. In addition, students take a role in planning trips and events which involves a wide variety of practical life skills such as group cooperation, advanced planning, and communication skills.